5/16/2019 11:09 AM

A Work Result of the Highest Standard – Interviewing Our Finnish Manufacturer

Over 50 % of the Balmuir products are made in Europe. Our largest source of production is Italy, but some production takes place in Finland as well. In Kiiminki, Eija Kanniala of Tunnelma Koti Oy has been sewing Balmuir for three years already. The work space of Kanniala is conveniently located only a few steps from her home door in the immediate vicinity of her home.

What kind of sewing projects do you undertake for Balmuir?

I mainly sew Venice cushion covers with piping, Helsinki beanies and ponchos, as well as Lucca capes. I have also been in charge of smaller projects, such as the sewing of linen drapes for the stores, or small repair jobs. For my other clients I primarily sew home textiles so it’s nice to change things up every once in a while, and work with accessories as well.

I have always been a hard worker and my principle has always been to never say no to work. Especially with regard to sewing high-quality products like Balmuir’s, it goes without saying that you’ve got to give the work your 101 %. In fact, I have even made some improvements to the sample products, such as a finer finish to the edges of cushion covers in order to ensure the durability of the product. The materials of Balmuir are always of high quality, but they also require precision. Therefore, I want to make sure that the products are made to the highest standard.

What is your typical day at work?

I begin the work day at home around seven to eight in the morning. A few times a week, I go to the centre of Oulu to undertake some sewing work there, in which cases I begin my work only at ten. In addition to sewing, the job also requires lots of cutting, measuring and ironing. For the projects requiring serial production I have my own tools, which speed up the work. For example, the rate of sewing Venice cushion covers is approximately three to one hour. I also regularly take the finished goods back to clients and go get materials for new projects. I only live half an hour away from the headquarters of Balmuir, so the transport works very flexibly.

How do you balance out work and leisure time while working from home?

I crave different projects in my life and would not know how to simply sit still. However, it is important to me that along with client jobs I get to spice up my days with my own sewing projects or go for a brief swim on my beach during hot summer days. On my free time, I read books and search for metals from the nearby grounds. Nowadays I don’t sew clothes on my free time anymore, but when I was younger, I used to sew clothes for my now adult daughters.

4/10/2019 3:23 PM

High-quality Linen Clothing Is Suitable For Both Holiday And Office – The New BMuir Collection

The most recent BMuir collection comprises classy and versatile apparel made of the finest 100 % linen in Europe. The premium level natural material, the timeless designs and subtle tones ensure a linen clothing line that is easily adaptable for different occasions. The designer Niina tells us more about the birth of the collection and the properties inherent to linen apparel.

What inspired the BMuir Linen Collection?

The summer of 2018 reached a record-breaking hot spell in Finland as well – Both our customers and staff were constantly inquiring after a clothing collection incorporating high-quality linen. Linen has been a familiar working material used in the Balmuir home décor collection ever since the beginning, and it has always been one of our customer favourites. This as well strengthened our inspiration for creating a BMuir linen clothing collection.

What are the advantages of linen as a clothing material?

The timelessness and effortlessness, as well as the breathability and flow of the material – these are qualities of linen that give it countless opportunities for design. It’s also a common conception to think that linen is solely a summer material. However, combined with other materials it’s also perfectly suitable for the early spring and fall. Linen is also easy to take care of and won’t always require ironing, for example.

Linen is generally perceived as a relaxed material. However, the starting point of the BMuir collection has been timelessness and transformability. For instance, the Latizia wrap dress can be accessorised to fit a more formal event, or the dress can be paired with a turtle neck underneath to suit a colder weather. The more daring dressers could even wear the dress with slim fit trousers. The collared Livia tunic is an excellent choice for work attire and can also be worn open in a jacket-like fashion. The Louise trousers are relaxed and comfortable, yet neat enough to fit a city or an office setting. Of course, the linen is known best as the ideal material for hot summer days.

What type of materials should linen be paired with?

Linen is a versatile classic, which can effortlessly be paired with different materials, textures, and prints. For instance, silk, cashmere and linen scarves of the Balmuir accessory collection would beautifully complement the linen clothing collection.

How should linen be cared for?

Linen should be washed in accordance with the washing instructions and shaped while damp. If needed, linen can also be efficiently ironed inside out while it’s still damp. Drying the material in direct sunlight should be avoided in order to maintain the brightness of the colours.

3/22/2019 1:17 PM

The Winston Sundae (for two people)

Treat yourself and a friend to a lovely ice cream dessert that will certainly satisfy even the biggest of cravings for something sweet. We created a lovely sundae recipe that looks as good as it tastes!

The Winston Ice Cream Sundae is prepared in layers. Start by preparing the biscuit base. Put the biscuits in a zip lock plastic bag and crush by using a rolling pin. Put a pinch of crumbs aside for the later decorating stage. Mix the remaining biscuit crumbs together with the melted butter in a bowl. Next, use a teaspoon to press the biscuit batter to the bottom of the Winston Tumbler, thereby forming a firm layer of approximately 1 cm. For the second layer, pour the caramel sauce on top of the biscuit layer to once again form a layer of 1 cm (or according to taste). Note that the caramel will rise up around the edges when you add the ice cream. Put the glass inside the fridge for one hour to condense the digestive base. Once the layers are cooled down, add the ice cream on top. Decorate the sundae with blueberries and biscuit crumbs. Add an asymmetrical piece of dark chocolate for a beautiful finish.

3/11/2019 11:31 AM

Quality and Flexibility – Millan Putiikki, Our Retailer in Lahti

An effective collaboration with both retailers and producers is of utmost importance to Balmuir, and thus we would like to introduce some of our long-time business partners here in our blog.

This time, we get more acquainted with Millan Putiikki – a store which sells high-quality apparel, accessories and interior décor items. The customers are able to enjoy the store’s selection online at the webstore as well as at a physical location, in a boutique located in Lahti, Finland. In business since 2012, the owner and CEO of the boutique, Milla Tähkänen, tells us more.

What is important to you in regard to the daily operation of your Boutique?

We consider our customers the most important of all, of course, as without them there wouldn’t be us. Another important thing is to have good and reliable affiliates. Together we make sure that our store selection stays interesting and constantly changing. In this way, the work stays personally enjoyable and the customers are motivated to keep coming back yet again to see what’s on offer.

How would you describe your company values?

We want to offer our customers flexible and good customer service. We are even able to order singular items for our customers, if needed. This is the strength of a small business – flexibility comes easy.

Another value for us is bravery. You can’t always be sure on whether or not something will work, but we still often try new things. Sometimes things go wrong, but fortunately most of the time we make things work. As an entrepreneur, I also think it is important that our employees are content and want to do their own part in running a small business and in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

How do you pick and choose the products that you want to sell in the boutique?

We choose products and brands which we would use ourselves, as well. As the boutique has been in business for quite a while already, the brands in our store have become quite constant. However, sometimes we find new exciting things, we just can’t resist.

How did you discover Balmuir?

I encountered Balmuir and its creation story through media at the end of year 2012. In 2013, I re-encountered Balmuir in Stockholm at the Formex fair. There were so many lovely items that it was hard to decide which products we would start with. At first, we got Helsinki and Dawn scarves, linen kitchen textiles and kid mohair throws. Now the selection has grown quite a bit. It was wonderful to get our first shop-in-shop for Balmuir products at the end of last year.

What attracts you to the products of Balmuir?

I think that the durable natural materials and the timeless design are what’s best in Balmuir. I also like that you can bring luxury to your everyday life with the products of a Finnish brand. You don’t always have to rely on the Italian or French.

Being Finnish is a great value, and we in fact continuously try to find our customers beautiful and high-quality brands that are domestic. Balmuir fits this value brilliantly.

What are your favourite products of Balmuir?

The Helsinki scarf is always my go-to accessory. I wear mine inside as well as outdoors. The new Aurora beanie has also grown on me as a favourite, but the upcoming autumn collection has so many lovely things, that there will definitely be new items to add to my favourites list.

I believe that a small business, such as us, will never be truly ready. I want to learn to be even better in many aspects relating to my work, so development is one of my visions. Of course, creating a memorable and cosy store experience from season to season requires inspiration and the performance of the task multiple times a year. In this aspect also, the best partners will help us push these visions forward.

2/26/2019 1:59 PM

Set The Table for Spring

This spring the dining table is set in a casual, yet elegant. Invest in timeless and high quality table top accessories that will last you for years. The classic ensemble is brightened with napkins and candles in beautiful colours of the season. One of this spring's most popular colours is pink, balanced with classic white.

Linen is a much loved, durable natural material. Our European made napkins are an essential part of a spring table setting. These napkins are also a more eco-friendly choice for paper napkins. A leather napking ring finishes the look. If you wish for a table cloth, we recommend our linen table cloth to bring a laid back, vintage vibe to your home.

As the early spring nights get dark, create a romantic atmosphere with handmade candles and precious crystal candle stands. Combine different size candle stands and different colour candles to make a center piece for dinner table or in the living room.

Add a finishing touch to the table with a beautiful bouquet with your favourite flowers. Gather the bouquet into our Kensington lantern, which can also be used as an elegant vase. If you want, we can also make the lantern personal with a monogram.

Have you been invited to a dinner party? Surprise the hosts with a linen kitchen towel that only gets better with time. Our wonderful colour collection includes both classic and seasonal options. Our aprons are also a valued gift for those who enjoy cooking.

12/14/2018 3:42 PM

The New Life of Balmuir Gift Boxes

Christmas is the time of beautiful presents. With us, every purchase is worthy of a beautiful gift packaging around the year. Balmuir products are always packaged into beautiful gift boxes that are finished with an elegant satin ribbon. The elegantly packaged items are ready to be put directly under a Christmas tree.

The quality gift boxes can be reused. For instance, the boxes can be used for extra storage space. A designer and blogger Marja Nevalainen from the Finnish blog Marjamailla discovered a new way to utilize the gift boxes, giving them a new life as a part of her interior decor:

– I find it great that products have a story and that the story gets a continuation through a ’new’ life. With recycling and crafting you are able to build a unique and personal interior decor, Marja told us.

Marja gave a new life to our Balmuir gift boxes by painting them with lime paint. The painted, pastel coloured boxes gave a unique addition to Marja’s home. We asked Marja for a few tips on painting Balmuir gift boxes.

What inspired you to paint the gift boxes?

I have tried various lime paints and I fell in love with the consistency of the Domus Natura paints. I thought, finally I’ve discovered a product to use in repurposing the gift boxes. I was surprised on how nice of a result I was able to get with such minimal effort.

How did you go about the project?

Before painting I cleaned the surfaces of the box with a damp cloth. After painting you should note that the lime-painted surface is lively, matte and natural. Therefore, in case you wish to protect the surface from dirt, I recommend a protecting wax made specifically to give a finish to a lime-painted surface.

11/14/2018 1:03 PM

Balmuir Taught Me to Value Quality

The store manager of Helsinki Balmuir Brand Store, Tommi Setälä, has been employed at Balmuir from year 2017. As someone who identifies with the values of Balmuir as his own, Setälä now tells us about his style, job, and Balmuir favourites.

How did you end up working at Balmuir?

I spent a long while working at the home department of the Finnish department store Stockmann. I was in charge of the most valuable home textiles, which included Balmuir as well. When Balmuir products entered Stockmann it was like love at first sight. In the spring of 2017 the time was ripe, and I was employed by Balmuir. In the beginning of the summer of 2017, I was working at Balmuir’s own department within Stockmann. Near autumn I moved to the new Balmuir Brand Store of Helsinki.

What would you consider the best aspect of your work?

The best aspect of my work is being able to sell products which I believe in and to represent a brand which shares the same values as I. We also have an excellent team at work. Everyone is motivated towards their work and they always aim to give their best. It is inspiring to work with colleagues who are talented and idea-rich.

Do fashion and interior design belong to your interests also outside from work?

I am a visual person and have always been equally interested in interior design and fashion. I like beautiful things and collect them around me without noticing. I love to combine different materials, but I prefer my colour palette subtle for an overall calm look.

My favourite season is here soon, and I get to decorate my home for Christmas. Just before the Christmas Eve I change the bedding into silk bedsheets, which I combine with linen cushion covers in shades of gold, burgundy, and linen. The theme of the table decor for the Christmas holidays changes each year and the family always get to be surprised of which theme and colour scheme I choose.

How would you describe your style?

When in hurry, it is typical for me to wear the first clothes that I grab onto from my closet. However, sometimes it’s wonderful to think of the perfect look for a particular occasion. I would describe my style as smart casual, but at a party I favour a classier style. On the other hand, sometimes I prefer a more relaxed style. For each outfit I can always find a suitable scarf from our selection. The same scarf can often be worn in almost all situations.

Has working at Balmuir affected your style?

I have become more quality conscious. I avoid buying things that I don’t need and focus on quality. My style has become a bit more grown up and I don’t take myself too seriously. I don’t always dress in accordance to the latest trends but prefer rather a more sustainable and timeless style.

What are your favourites of the Balmuir accessories?

I like everything unique. Of the women’s accessories, my absolute favourite is the Aurora Kid Mohair scarf with ostrich feathers, which is only available at our Brand Store at the moment. I would pair the scarf with the Milan clutch, which is made from stingray leather, the Vicenza tunic and a pair of tight trousers. The clutch is also available exclusively at our Brand Store.

For men I recommend the Highland scarf. Its cashmere wool is silky soft and stands the test of time well also with men, even if worn with a stubble or beard. I always keep the Helsinki cashmere scarf with me while travelling. It is easy to slip into a bag and to use as a blanket on the airplane. Our customers always return to purchase the same scarf in the new colours of the season.

Lausanne cashmere robe has also always been a favourite of mine. I finally decided to get the robe for myself. I’ve thought of using it in the city during springtime and combining it with a casual style: Slightly worn-off jeans, boots, a light shirt and the grey cashmere robe. I would also add a pair of sunglasses and tie the robe belt in the back for a relaxed effect. If you are having a bad hair day, you could also add the loose Clarens cashmere beanie to the look.

What are your favourites of the Balmuir interior decor products?

In interior decor I am attracted to everything that’s beautiful and I am always sensitive to the overall atmosphere. The strongest memories are always those which I get to share with good friends. Usually those memories include opening a bottle of bubbly, which always tastes better from the Balmuir Piemonte crystal champagne glasses.

The Verona candle stands are a true eye catcher. I recommend combining them with the velvet ball candles, which alternate in their colour selection in regard to the seasons of the year. For some balance, you can also add some linen napkins to bring softness to the table decor. Now that Christmas is coming, it is time to enjoy some Finnish mulled wine again. The Winston crystal tumblers from our selection are so thick that the glass won’t burn your fingers. I often use these glasses for anything from dessert dishes to smoothies.

What greetings would you like to give to the customers of Balmuir?

We are happy to help customers and we always offer complimentary coffee in between shopping. We collect all customer feedback and have in fact developed our collection often in accordance to the feedback we have received from our customers.

I always tell my customers that with us you can and must touch the products because the materials are what we sell and are proud of. Don’t hesitate to come to our Brand Store to sense and experience the Balmuir that we all share together. See you in the store at Park Esplanad!

10/4/2018 1:25 PM

Soft Elegance to Any Outfit – BMuir Collection

The new BMuir collection under Balmuir brand offers a premium line of 100% cashmere clothing. The autumn collection consists of for instance cardigans, sweaters and cozy cashmere sweatpants. The designer of Balmuir Niina tells more about the birth of the collection.

How was the idea of a cashmere clothing collection born?

The cashmere clothing collection is a natural continuation of the amazing natural materials used at Balmuir. The cashmere clothing complements beautifully our selection of goods made for a quality conscious customer. Moreover, over the past years the Lausanne cashmere robe has become a classic in our selection, and our customers have always inquired for more cashmere clothing from us.

What inspired the BMuir-collection?

One of the world’s finest natural materials, 100% Inner Mongolian cashmere, and the passion to create knitwear that would stand time, inspired us while designing the collection. We wanted to create an ensemble of cashmere clothing that could be combined in several ways for versatile outfits in various occasions.

To what kind of customer did you aim the collection?

The BMuir cashmere products are timeless classics, which are aimed to a style conscious consumer who appreciates premium natural materials. The cashmere clothes have been sized to fit different body types. Depending on the product, the size chart is from XS to XL.

What brings cashmere its high quality?

The finer and the longer the cashmere fibre is, the higher the cashmere is in quality. The fineness of the fibre is measured in microns. The cashmere fibre used in Balmuir products is extremely fine: 15,5–16 microns and 34–36 millimetres in length. A quality cashmere product pills less, and the pilling decreases even more after the first wash.

The cashmere used in BMuir collection comes from Inner Mongolia. The shearing of cashmere goats takes place once a year during spring. One goat produces approximately 100g of quality cashmere wool in one shearing. Hence, one cashmere product usually carries the wool produced by 2–4 goats. Nowadays, the shearing is done mechanically but the separation of the cashmere wool is still done by hand. The shearing does not harm the goat.

How should the cashmere clothing be cared for?

In order to keep the product beautiful and durable, it is important to maintain it regularly. It is important to let the cashmere clothing rest and it is also good to air it periodically. The best way to keep the clothing from distorting is to store it folded. The eventual pilling can be removed with the Balmuir cashmere comb, which comes complimentary with every BMuir product.

It is possible to wash BMuir products by hand by following the instructions carefully, but we recommend dry cleaning. You can find the wool detergent recommended for washing in most organic stores. After washing, the clothing should be reshaped and dried on a flat surface. With regular maintenance you ensure that the cashmere clothing brings you joy for years.

9/14/2018 8:31 AM

An Example of Fine Craftsmanship – A Balmuir Bag

The idea behind Balmuir’s bag collection was to create an elegant and timeless collection that includes versatile and high-quality products. A personalised bag with monogrammed initials makes the product feel even more special and makes for an excellent gift as well. The Balmuir Head of Buying, Hanna Seppälä, explains how Balmuir Bags are produced and maintained. She also gives some great tips on how to choose the right bag for you.

How are Balmuir bags produced?

Balmuir bags are produced in a reputable family business, which specialises in the production of luxury bags. The business maintains a decades-long tradition in bag production and has extensive expertise in the field. A good producer uses high quality materials. Our designer takes the intended use into account in the measurements of the bags. They also pay attention to versatility. For instance, a bag can have several straps. This way the bag can be carried in different ways.

What makes a quality bag?

A quality bag is durable and the natural leather ages beautifully during use. The new products in the Balmuir bag collection are made of natural grain calf leather. This is a very durable material that has a beautiful, lively texture. The bags of Balmuir are mostly handmade and subsequently the production process of each bag can include tens of different production stages. In a quality bag, even the small details are attended to with precision and care. For example, up to seven layers of paint is applied on the leather edges for finishing touches. The seams are finished and secured with handsewn stitching. Every bag goes through a careful inspection procedure.

What new arrivals can we find in this autumn’s collection?

The beautiful new arrival bags of this autumn include Evelyn hobo and Evan tote. Evelyn hobo is a stylish attention grabber, which fits perfectly for everyday use. Evan tote, on the other hand, is definitely a work bag and is also suitable for men. The tote conveniently fits a laptop inside and has a removable shoulder strap, which allows it to be carried over the shoulder. In addition, other autumn arrivals include the passport cover and the luggage tag. Later in the autumn the collection will be also joined by the new Camille wallet as well as the Chante card holder.

What is your advice to finding a perfect bag?

The starting point in picking the right bag is usually the intended use of the bag. In addition, you should think about what life expectancy and quality you expect from your bag, and how much you are willing to invest in those aspects. In choosing the right colour, it usually helps to think about your wardrobe. What kind of clothes would you typically pair with the bag? You can’t go wrong with black or beautiful shades of brown, but a colourful bag is excellent for adding a little “catch” to an otherwise simplified look.

How to take care of your bag?

When not in use, your bag should always be stored away from light, preferably in the dust bag that comes with it. During regular use, any stains should be wiped off as soon as possible. To do so, you can use a damp cloth. If the leather gets wet, it should be dried carefully. The bag can also be protected with a leather protection spray. A delicate leather cream can also be applied to condition the leather surface and add some shine to it.

8/30/2018 8:57 AM

Material: Baby Alpaca

Alpaca wool fiber that is 19-21 micron is called baby alpaca. Balmuir baby alpaca products are made of this durable and skin friendly wool. Baby alpaca fibers are hollow, so the wool is extremely light and has a great thermal insulation. Because of this, baby alpaca is five times warmer than regular wool. For example Balmuir's wonderfully soft Lucca scarves and throws are made out of this lovely material.

In addition to being light and extremely warm, baby alpaca is very easy to take care of. Apart from airing out the product, it doesn't need regular maintenance. Baby alpaca is very elastic and will not crease. The material is self-cleaning, but it can be dry cleaned if necessary.